Metabolic Syndrome - Insulin Resistance Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome encompasses a group of metabolic disorders that affect the normal function of our body. Though there are several metabolic disorders that may accompany metabolic syndrome, majority of the cases are related to insulin resistance, in which the body cells cannot effectively use insulin hormone. Considering this, metabolic syndrome is considered as insulin resistance syndrome. Some of the common metabolic disorders include high blood pressure (hypertension), abdominal obesity, low levels of good cholesterol and problems in blood clotting.

Causes and Symptoms of Insulin Resistance Syndrome

Insulin resistance syndrome is caused due to the combined effect of genetic factors and environmental factors. An individual having a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance has higher risk of developing this syndrome, if he is obese and physically inactive. Majority of patients suffering from insulin resistance syndrome have central obesity (fat tissue in the abdominal portion). Other environmental exposures like hormonal imbalance and aging process exacerbates metabolic syndrome. At times, this syndrome can manifest due to lack of vitamin D. Hence, reports have claimed the relation of vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance syndrome.

The symptoms of insulin resistance are increased fatigue, high blood glucose (hyperglycemia), lack of concentration, increased sleepiness, bloating, mental stress, depression, abnormal weight problems and elevated blood pressure and triglyceride. According to medical researches, it is revealed that patients with metabolic syndrome have higher chances of suffering from cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Insulin Resistance Syndrome

There is no specific protocol for diagnosis of insulin resistance syndrome. For identifying this syndrome, the physician may perform blood sugar test, cholesterol level test and examine the waist-hip ratio. An individual is confirmed with insulin resistance syndrome, if he/she has central obesity with elevated levels of triglycerides, blood pressure and fasting glucose. Women with medical history of ovarian cysts and gestational diabetes should opt for regular evaluation of insulin resistance syndrome.

Insulin resistance syndrome is managed by following a proper diet plan and making necessary lifestyle changes. The insulin resistance diet should include less saturated fats and cholesterol with adequate amount of dietary fiber. As already discussed, weight control is the key to prevent this metabolic syndrome. The body mass index (BMI) should be below 25 kg/m2. One should perform regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day. It is not mandatory to follow a rigorous exercise program; walking exercise for half an hour every day is sufficient to prevent insulin resistance syndrome.

It is estimated that more than 50 million Americans suffer from insulin resistance syndrome. As per studies, metabolic syndrome is the second most contributing factor to heart disease, next to smoking. In order to prevent serious health complications of insulin resistance syndrome, it is always advisable to monitor the waist-hip ratio. For doing so, measure the waist (smallest portion) and hip (bulging portion), make sure that you don't hold your stomach while taking measurement. You can find out the waist-hip ratio by dividing the waist measurement by the hip measurement. If the result is more than 1.0, it is called abdomen obesity, which is one of the risk factors of insulin resistance syndrome.